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Are Summer Abroad Programs Worth It?

Posted On
Sep 25, 2025
Author
Maya Mashkuri

Summary

Summer abroad programs offer students—especially those between high school and college, as well as college students themselves—a chance to grow in ways that traditional classrooms often cannot provide. By combining travel, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning, these experiences are not just about seeing the world, but about discovering your place in it. They provide a meaningful bridge between academic life and real-world exploration, helping students challenge their perspectives and experience their potential in transformative ways.

Summer break can be more than just downtime—it can be an intentional chapter of growth. For high school students, summer can be the perfect opportunity to get a sense of what it’s like to live somewhere new, if even for 2 to 6 weeks. It’s a time to engage in the world, meet incredible people, and have an overall fun and new experience.

Beyond a Typical Summer

Our Summer travel programs are unique  because they invite you to live as a traveler, not a tourist. Instead of filling a photo album with snapshots, students return with unfiltered, immersive experiences that can help shape their worldview.

Skills and Perspectives Gained Abroad

Summer travel programs give students practical skills that prepare them for both academic and professional life. Through cross-cultural engagement, language practice, and real-world problem-solving, participants return with confidence and perspective that set them apart.

Benefit High School–College Transition College Student Experience
Independence & Confidence Build self-confidence before starting college or what’s next   Strengthen decision-making in new contexts
Academic Connection Experience the beauty of learning outside the classroom Apply coursework to lived experiences
Career Preparation Gain early adaptability and resilience Cultivate cross-cultural communication skills
Community Building Build real, meaningful  connections Deepen empathy and leadership capacity
Personal Reflection Time to reflect on your experiences, and how they intertwine with you and your life Space to refine and plan for long-term goals

Whether as a launchpad into college or as a complement to ongoing studies, our programs provide tools and insights that last well beyond summer.

Contact Us Today

Curious about whether a summer abroad could change your life? Connect with us today to explore programs that help you expand your perspective, experience your potential, and embrace the transformative power of cultural immersion.

FAQ

  1. Who should consider a summer travel abroad program?
    Students in high school, or before college, as well as college students, benefit most from this type of immersive, intentional experience.
  2. How is a summer abroad program different from vacation travel?
    Instead of just visiting a place, culturally immersive summer programs focus on meaningful engagement with local communities, experiencing the day-to-day activities, practicing local language, and sinking into the place as if you were living there. 
  3. Are these programs academically useful?
    Yes—students often apply what they learn to their studies, from global history to language and communication.
  4. What kinds of challenges might students face abroad?
    You may encounter language barriers, cultural differences, and new ways of living—but these moments build resilience and self-awareness.
  5. Is the investment worth it?
    Most students find the transformative personal growth, real-world skills, and intentional perspective gained are invaluable for their future.